I have a friend and brother whose wife is, by God’s grace, recovering from a very serious injury. I wrote him the following, and then thought it might be useful to others who are facing serious trials:

Still praying for ____ (his wife), of course. And for you. And that Satan won’t tempt her to feel a burden to you and others. That’s one of his most deceptive tricks, because he makes us think we are being unselfish by not being a burden when people who love us want to help us in times of need. He has all kinds of nasty tricks he uses at times like this. Praying you will both see clearly through it all.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

When we have true needs, we have to be willing to give others the privilege of bearing our burdens. We must not let the accuser deceive us into acting with false unselfishness or taking on ourselves a burden of false guilt.

4 Responses to A Nasty Little Trick of Satan’s

So true. Especially if one has grown up in a very independent home, where each one has learned to bear his own burdens. I remember telling my mom once that if she wouldn’t let others help she was denying them the blessing of helping. I remember the thoughtful expression on her face.